As an outsider looking in ...

Question: As an outsider looking in (I've never seen an entire episode of either Everwood or 7th Heaven) can I attempt to defend [CW programming chief] Dawn Ostroff? I hardly think that she rose to the position of power she's in today by being a moron. Of course episodes advertised as "series finales" are going to have much higher ratings than any given episode, and of course that is to be expected. I think her only fault in handling this has been passing that off as the excuse for renewing 7th Heaven over Everwood. Had she been straightforward and said, "Look, we like both shows and we really like Everwood, but it doesn't get us the ratings that 7th Heaven has consistantly gotten us over the years and we're trying to launch a network here," she wouldn't be getting the lampooning that she so rightfully deserves now. I have no doubt that Everwood is an excellent series, much as I have no doubt that 7th Heaven is past its prime. (After all these years, how could it not be?) But the fact of the matter is that more people watch the latter. Therefore, Heaven lives, Everwood dies. Sort of like how War at Home will live another year in Arrested Development's time slot. Any thoughts?
Answer: Of course you're right. (And thanks for bumming me out by reminding me that War got a second season.) This is the common sense answer to the anguished question, "Whyyyy?" that I keep getting from Everwood fans. Renewing 7th Heaven was strictly business. Perhaps the greater debate is why CW stuck with One Tree Hill, which was getting clobbered on Wednesdays despite staying put without the disruptions that bedeviled the more consistently performing Everwood during its final year. That, I think, is what has Everwood fans even more upset than being passed over for 7th Heaven. This is a network being cobbled together with many series that are on their last wobbly legs. A little positive PR by giving Everwood a half-season pickup (since 7th Heaven may not exist beyond the next 13, although that's unclear to me) would have given CW an immeasurable boost of goodwill.

And just so you know what kind of mail is still pouring in, here's this from Amy (and for my own response to the Everwood finale, go to my Dispatch): "I hope this is only one of many notes of praise for the series finale of Everwood that you received. It was wonderful, but it's sad to think that we won't get to see the rest of the story. But I liked that the ending gave us hope that all the characters we adore have lives full of love and joy ahead of them. There are very few characters on television I have grown to love more. But I am thankful that the show was able to leave with the dignity and grace (and satisfaction for the viewers) that most finales never have. Thank you to all the actors, writers, directors and producers for making Everwood a show so many of us loved. (And shame on you, CW, for promoting your network during the finale of the show you rejected!)"